Antonio Pacheco’s grandfather faces multiple charges related to the crash that killed the baby.
PHOENIX — The family of a 19-month-old boy killed in an off-road crash is sharing what happened during a weekend camping trip that ended in tragedy.
The family of Antonio Pacheco, known as Baby Toni, held a car wash Saturday in Phoenix to help with the costs of his funeral.
Toni was killed Sunday morning when an off-road vehicle (ORV) crashed near the top of Oak Creek Canyon. His grandfather, Miguel Pacheco, was behind the wheel.
Family members said the trip was meant to be a fun getaway.
“We just, we just wanted to go up there, have a good time, spend some family time, you know,” said Jazelle Pacheco, Toni’s mother.
“He was a really sweet boy. He had so much personality, so much personality. He always had the biggest smile,” Jazelle Pacheco said. “Just him being in the room, just light their whole room up. Lighted everybody’s face up.”
Jazelle Pacheco’s mother, Priscilla Palma, said the crash happened fast.
“All we could see is a cloud of dust. I heard everyone yelling, so I started running towards everybody,” Palma said.
“It was just a tragic accident. I don’t know. Things just happened so fast,” Jazelle Pacheco said.
Baby Toni died at the scene. A 17-year-old and a 7-year-old were also injured but are expected to be OK.
Deputies arrested Miguel Pacheco on charges including manslaughter, multiple counts of DUI, aggravated assault, endangerment, and drug charges.
“Everything was an accident,” Jazelle said. “Nobody has room here to judge but God and God only.”
Miguel Pacheco is being held in Flagstaff on $500,000 bail.
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